Drafting a proposed health insurance legislation
In the latest issue 8/2025 of Stiftung Warentest Finanzen, a comprehensive evaluation of statutory health insurance companies in Germany has identified the most affordable options for consumers. The key finding was the significant variation in additional contribution rates set by insurers, with the cheapest options offering substantial savings.
The report, which evaluated 67 health insurance companies covering approximately 98% of the insured population, found that the additional contribution rates range from a low of 2.18% to a high of 4.40%. The most cost-effective insurers available nationwide are BKK Firmus (16.78% total rate), hkk (16.79%), and Audi BKK (17.00%).
By opting for one of these more affordable insurers, policyholders could potentially save a significant amount. For instance, the difference in percentage points between the most expensive and cheapest insurers (2.22 percentage points) can translate into noticeable annual savings, especially for those with higher incomes. A typical monthly gross salary contributor could save up to several hundred euros per year by switching from an expensive to a cheaper insurer within the statutory system.
Here's a summary of the top three most affordable health insurance companies in Germany:
| Health Insurance Company | Total Contribution Rate (%) | |-------------------------|-----------------------------| | BKK Firmus | 16.78 | | hkk | 16.79 | | Audi BKK | 17.00 |
It's essential to compare different providers when looking for a new health insurance company, as the additional contribution can have a significant impact on overall costs. To learn more about these insurers and their extra services, visit Stiftung Warentest's online comparison of health insurance companies.
Before making the switch, remember to inform your employer about the change, and be aware that the cancellation is effective as of the end of the following month. Additionally, it's necessary to have a minimum of 12 months of insurance with the current insurer before switching to a new one.
If your current insurer increases its additional contribution, you may have a special right to cancel. In this case, the effectiveness of the switch starts from the end of the following month after cancellation. The new insurer will contact the old one when applying for membership, so there's no need to submit a cancellation letter to the previous insurer.
It's important to keep in mind that a contribution saving may increase taxable income. Regular use of dental cleanings, osteopathy treatments, health courses, or travel vaccinations can potentially result in savings if an insurer offers subsidies for these services.
In conclusion, by making an informed decision and switching to one of the top affordable health insurance companies, you could save a substantial amount annually. For more detailed information, visit Stiftung Warentest Finanzen's website and start exploring your options today.
By choosing one of the top affordable health insurance companies such as BKK Firmus, hkk, or Audi BKK, individuals might significantly reduce their annual health insurance costs due to lower additional contribution rates. In addition, a switch from a more expensive to a cheaper insurer within the statutory system could lead to up to several hundred euros in savings per year, especially for those with higher incomes.
